Like them or hate them? I have an old school 6'4 Santa Cruz very similar to the current Ozzie Wright version out now. I either love it or hate it depending on the conditions. The epoxy can work for you or against you. I usually ride a 6'0 firewire spitfire but need a little more paddle power in days with heavy current and winds. Does anyone have input (especially LBcrew) on whether that board would serve as a good winter board with a heavy suit, hard winds, heavy current, etc.? The dimensions are 6'4 x 19.25 x 2.5. Sometimes it feels corky but other times it flies down the line. Is the firewire just better technology? Also, can the light weight of the Santa Cruz be a detriment in windy conditions? Sometimes it feels like the wind gets underneath it. Or should I just move up on the board? I have used it in the winter and it has been great and I have had trouble with it in choppy conditions. I would rather not hear about opinions on popouts, buying local, etc.. I just want to hear people's experiences with Santa Cruz boards whether they like them or not. Mostly LBcrew.
Sorry to disappoint... but I have no experience with Santa Cruz surfboards. However, I can tell you that I feel heavier boards work better in heavier surf, and feel smoother and have more momentum when paddling in tough conditions (current and chop). The increased volume in this board will give you some advantage in winter surf, and I don't think moving up on the board will help at all. Feeling the wind under the board has more to do with the nose width and concave vs. convex under the nose as well, and combined with those two factors, nose rocker has a lot to do with paddleability, too. Personally, I like PU boards with narrower noses for bigger winter surf that... 9 times out of 10... comes along with lots of current and wind.
Hahaha. I was sweating him pretty badly on that post. He seems to be from around our area and very knowledgeable. No bs answers and no drama like 99% of the rest of the people on here. Thanks LBcrew. And thank you zero. LBcrew-what are your feelings on a 6'6 merrick k step (epoxy) for the winter rather than the santa cruz? I pretty much put those boards away but I may break them out again for the winter. Thanks in advance
Nothing wrong with asking for advice from someone who is actually around your area and knows the breaks. Hope you find your golden board!
I have it. It is the firewire spitfire! I just have to get myself back in shape. I think I put away the other boards for a reason....... Thanks to both of you.
Personally, I think that would be an excellent choice. My big wave/winter board is longer, but pretty much the same width and thickness, so it's got a touch more volume, but not over-volumed (not corky or hard to duck dive). The added length lets you add some more rocker throughout, which works well in tube, and a narrower nose and rounded pin tail keep it very responsive for it's length.
santa cruz boards are great,plus they always have some cool art on them.i don't think il ever ride a merrick.800 bucks for a board aint worth it,i could get a roundtrip ticket to anywhere in central America for 300 bucks cheaper
